85-year-old life-long Atheist converts to Christianity telling those attending his baptism “this took too long”.
Australia’s former Governor General and avowed atheist Bill Hayden explained his conversion to Catholicism at 85 years old this way;
“There’s been a gnawing pain in my heart and soul about what is the meaning of life. What’s my role in it?”
As he readied himself for the baptism, he reflected on his newfound faith. “This took too long, and now I am going to be devoted. From this day forward I’m going to vouch for God,” Hayden told The Catholic Leader.
Although he grew up in a Catholic family, he didn’t realize until much later that he was not a Catholic.
He added, “There is more to life than just me. I had to make a dedication of myself for the good of others, before God. I felt that strongly.”
Hayden said that the turning point was a visit to see Sister of Mercy Angela Mary Doyle, a 92-year-old nun whose lifelong service inspired him. “I have always felt embraced and loved by her Christian example,” said Hayden. “Dallas, my wife, our daughter Ingrid and I recently visited Sister Angela Mary in the Mater Hospital where she was a patient. The next morning I woke with the strong sense that I had been in the presence of a holy woman. So after dwelling on these things, I found my way back to the core of those beliefs — the Church.”
Doyle was at Hayden’s baptism, which took place at St. Mary’s Church in Ipswich.